Power adapters for powering and/or charging peripheral devices

ABSTRACT

A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/838,397 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering and/or ChargingPeripheral Devices,” filed on Jul. 16, 2010 which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/698,405 entitled “Power Adapters forPowering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Jan. 26, 2007,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,698, issued on Aug. 3, 2010, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/125,893 entitled“Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” filedon Apr. 28, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/345,252 entitled “Power Adapters for Powering and/orCharging Peripheral Devices,” filed on Oct. 22, 2001, which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for poweringperipheral devices. More particularly, the present invention relates toimproved techniques for powering and/or charging peripheral devicesthrough a data transmission line.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics system 10. Theelectronics system 10 includes a peripheral device 12 and a host device14, both of which are capable of processing data. The electronics system10 also includes a data transmission line 16 that operatively couplesthe peripheral device 12 to the host device 14. The data transmissionline 16 allows data to be transmitted between the peripheral device 12and the host device 14, i.e., data may be uploaded or downloaded betweenthe devices. In most cases, the peripheral and host devices 12 and 14include data ports 18 and 20, respectively, for receiving the dataconnectors of the transmission line 16.

The peripheral device 12, host device 14 and transmission line 16 maytake many forms. For example, the peripheral device 12 may be a portabledevice such as a personal computer, personal digital assistant, cellularphone, digital camera, media player, and the like. The host device 14,which may be portable as well, may also be a general purpose computersuch as a desktop computer. In addition, the transmission line 16 may becapable of transmitting data via a serial, parallel, PS/2, smallcomputer system interface (SCSI), universal serial bus (USB), network,FireWire port (IEEE 1394-1995), and the like. Although some of thesetransmission lines include lines for transmitting both data and power,it should be noted that the power flowing through the transmission linesis typically incidental power used in processing data.

That is, the power is not used to supply power for normal operation ofthe devices, as for example powering up or charging batteries in thecase of portable devices (e.g., power is not supplied through the datatransmission line when operating with power from a battery of externalpower source).

In order to operate and/or charge the devices 12 and 14, the systemtypically includes dedicated power cables that connect the respectivedevices to an external power source. In this exemplary system 10, theperipheral device 12 is connected to an electrical outlet 22 through adedicated power cable 24 that includes a plug 26 that receives ACcurrent from the electrical outlet 22, a power adapter 28 that turns ACcurrent into DC current, and a connector 30 that distributes the DCcurrent through a power port 32 of the peripheral device 12. As isgenerally well known, DC current (3 to 12 volts and less than 1 amp ofcurrent) is required to operate most electronic devices and to rechargebatteries that store DC current. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in somecases the power adapter and plug may be combined into a single unit.

While the system described above works well, it would be desirable toremove the total number of connections made to a peripheral device so asto reduce the number of connectors and cables needed to operate theperipheral device. By reducing the number of connectors and cables, theperipheral size and the cost of the product may be decreased as well asthe ease of use of the peripheral device may be improved (less cables totote around).

SUMMARY

The invention pertains to power adapters that allow a user to powerand/or charge a peripheral device such as a portable electronic devicewithout requiring any additional cables or connectors. The inventionalso pertains to a connection method for powering a peripheral withoutrequiring a host, peripheral or hub to remain powered on. The connectionmethod allows peripherals to operate on buses that do not supply power.The invention is particularly suitable for peripheral devices thatutilize IEEE 1394 FireWire technology (e.g., ports, connectors and datatransmission lines).

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a power adapter. The poweradapter includes a power connection. The power adapter also includes adata connector assembly electrically coupled to the power connection,the data connector assembly providing at least one combined power anddata connection, wherein the power provided by the combined data andpower connection is used to operate or charge a peripheral device.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter for aportable electronics device. The power adapter includes a housing thatcontains electrical components of the power adapter. The power adapteralso includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The dataport facilitates providing external power to the portable electronicsdevice via the data port.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter. Thepower adapter includes a housing configured to enclose electricalcomponents associated with the power adapter. The power adapter furtherincludes a power plug capable of electrically coupling to a power sourceand at least a portion of the electrical components. The power adapteralso includes a data port positioned within the housing. The data portis configured for receiving a data connector of a data transmission linecapable of transmitting both data and power therethrough. The data portis electrically coupled to the power plug so as to provide power throughthe data transmission line when the data connector of the datatransmission line is received by the data port and when the power plugis electrically coupled to the power source.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a data processingsystem. The data processing system includes a host device capable ofprocessing data through a first data connection. The system furtherincludes a peripheral device capable of processing data and receivingpower through a second data connection. The power is configured tooperate or charge the peripheral device. The system additionallyincludes a power adapter having a third data connection for providingthe power when the power adapter is electrically coupled to a powersource. The system also includes a data transmission cable capable oftransmitting both power and data therethrough. The data transmissioncable is configured to transmit data between the first data connectionand the second data connection when the data transmission line iscoupled to the host and peripheral devices. The data transmission cableis also configured to transmit the power from the third data connectionto the second data connection when the data transmission line is coupledto the peripheral device and the power adapter.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of powering acomputing device. The method includes receiving a first power from apower source via a power connection. The method also includes outputtinga second power to the computing device via a data connection.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a power adapter. Thepower adapter includes a connector assembly having a first dataconnection capable of transmitting data to and from a host device, and asecond data connection capable of transmitting data to and from aperipheral device and power to the peripheral device. The power is usedto operate or charge the peripheral device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronics system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a power adapter, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power adapter, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a power adapter 80, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified diagrams of an electronic system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of an electronic system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is simplified diagrams of an electronic system 200, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toa few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In the following description, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presentinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, thatthe present invention may be practiced without some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well known process steps have notbeen described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 50, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter 50 isgenerally configured to provide power to a peripheral device duringoperation and/or charging thereof. In one embodiment, the power adapter50 may be used to provide power to a peripheral device such as aportable electronic device that includes a battery. By way of example,the portable electronic device may be a personal computer, personaldigital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and thelike. In most cases, the power adapter 50 is arranged to receive a firstpower from a power source and to output a second power to the peripheraldevice. The second power corresponds to the power needed to operateand/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the first power hascharacteristics that are different than the characteristics of thesecond power while in other cases the first power has characteristicsthat are similar to the characteristics of the second power. Forexample, the first power may provide AC current while the second powermay provide DC current. In addition, the first power may provide DCcurrent while the second power may also provide DC current, which may ormay not be the same as the source current.

The power adapter 50 generally includes a power connection 52, a housing54 and a data port 56. The power connection 52 is configured forcoupling the power adapter 50 to a power supply (not shown) capable ofsupplying power to the power adapter 50. The power supply may take onmany forms. By way of example, the power supply may be a conventionalelectrical outlet that supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet thatsupplies DC current, and/or the like. In the case of the electricaloutlet, the power connection 52 typically includes a plug for connectionto the electrical outlet. For example, the plug may include severalprongs that are insertable into electrically active slots disposed inthe electrical outlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and forthe sake of brevity will not be described in detail herein.

The housing 54 is configured to enclose various internal components ofthe power adapter 50. That is, the housing 54 serves to surround theinternal components of the power adapter 50 at a peripheral regionthereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverseconditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond toelectrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter50. For example, the electrical components may include a transformer forconverting electrical power from one voltage-current level to anothervoltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternating currentAC to direct current DC.

The data port 56 is generally provided at the surface of the housing 54.The data port 56, in accordance with one embodiment, is configured toprovide external power for operation and charging of a peripheral devicesuch as a portable electronic device. The data port 56 includes at leastone power contact 57 that is electrically coupled to the powerconnection 52. The coupling may be direct or indirect. In the case ofindirect, the power contact 57 may be coupled to the power connection 52through the electrical components of the power adapter 50, as forexample, a transformer or rectifier circuit. The data port 56 isarranged to receive one end of a data transmission line 58. The datatransmission line 58 is preferably a data transmission line having bothdata and power transmitting capabilities. As was stated earlier, thepower transmitting capabilities are associated with data transmissions.By way of example, the data transmission line 58 may be a universalserial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The data transmissionline 58 typically includes a data connector 60 configured for insertioninto the data port 56. The connector 60 includes at least one powercontact 61 since the data transmission line 58 has power transmittingcapabilities. As should be appreciated, the power contact 61 of theconnector 60 is configured to engage the power contact 57 of the dataport 56 so as to provide operational or charging power to a peripheraldevice when the connector 60 is connected to the data port 56.

In one embodiment, the data port is a standard FireWire 6 contact Femaleconnector right angle PCB. In another embodiment, the data transmissionline is a standard 6-conductor FireWire cable having a standard FireWire6 contact male connector at each end. In another embodiment, the datatransmission line is a standard 4-conductor FireWire cable having astandard FireWire 6 contact male connector at one end and a compactFireWire 4 contact male connector at the other end.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a power adapter 80, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective viewsof the power adapter 80 while FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the poweradapter 80. By way of example, the power adapter 80 may generallycorrespond to the power adapter 50 shown in FIG. 2.

The power adapter 80 includes a plug 82, a housing 84 and a data port86. The plug 82 may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, theplug 82 corresponds to an AC power plug that is capable of electricallycoupling to an AC power source. The plug 82 includes a plug body 88 anda plurality of prongs 90 configured for insertion into slots of aconventional AC electrical outlet. The prongs 90 may be widely varied.For example, the prongs 90 may be adapted to work with variouselectrical standards including, but not limited to U.S., Japan, UK,France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the like. As is generallywell known, the universal worldwide input ranges from about 100V toabout 240V.

In one embodiment, the prongs 90 are movable such that they havemultiple positions. As shown, the prongs 90 are pivotably coupled to thebody 88 such that they may be moved between an extended position (FIG.3), allowing the prongs 90 to be inserted into an electrical outlet, anda recessed position (FIG. 4), placing the prongs 90 within channels 92disposed in the body 88 of the plug 82.

In another embodiment, the plug 82 is detachable. This generally gives auser of the power adapter the ability to change the plug from onestandard to another. As shown in FIG. 4, the plug 82, and moreparticularly the body 88, is detached from the housing 84. Thedetachable plug 82 generally includes a plug connector 94, which extendsfrom the body 88, and which is insertable into a connection opening 96disposed in the housing 84. Although not shown, the plug connector 94includes electrical contact surfaces that engage electrical contact pins98 positioned within the connection opening 96 of the housing 84. Thecontact surfaces are electrically coupled to the prongs 90 such thatelectrical current may pass through the prongs 90 to the contact pins 98when the plug 82 is attached to the housing 84, and more particularly,when the plug connector 94 is inserted into the connection opening 96.The plug 82 and the housing 84 cooperate to form the peripheral surfacesof the power adapter. In the embodiment shown, the plug 82 and housing84 form flush surfaces when the plug and housing are attached, i.e., theplug is a continuation of the housing.

The housing 84 additionally includes a plug region 100 for receiving theplug 82. In order to securely hold the plug 82 in the plug region 100 ofthe housing 84, the plug and housing include a holding mechanism. Theholding mechanism may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment,the holding mechanism includes a notch (not shown), which is disposed onthe underside of the body, for engaging a protrusion 102 that extendsabove a surface of the housing 84.

The housing 84 is configured to enclose various electrical components(not shown) of the power adapter 80. The electrical components arecoupled to the power source through the contact pins 98 when the plug 82is connected to a power source such as a convention AC outlet and whenthe plug 82 is attached to the housing 84. In one embodiment, at leastsome of the electrical components are configured to convert the AC powerprovided to the power adapter 80 by the power source into external powerthat is coupled to the data port 86. For example, the electricalcomponents may include a transformer for converting electrical powerfrom one voltage-current level to another voltage current level and arectifier that converts alternating current AC to direct current DC. Theexternal power may be widely varied. For instance, the power adapter maybe adapted with different voltage and amperage ratings. In oneimplementation, the voltage of the external power ranges from about 8 toabout 20 volts.

Referring to FIG. 5, the data port 86 is positioned within the housing84. The data port 86 may be accessed through an opening 103 in thehousing 84. The data port 86 generally includes a plurality of contacts104. Some of the contacts are for transmitting data while others are fortransmitting power. With regards to the contacts for transmitting power,the data port may include one or more power contacts that are coupled tothe power source through the various components of the power adapterdescribed above so as to provide power to a data transmission line whenconnected thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the data portcorresponds to a 6 wire Fire Wire port. As is generally well known, the6 wire FireWire port includes data contacts, a ground contacts and apower contacts. The data contacts are generally paired so as to coupleto a pair of twisted data wires of the data transmission line. Whentransmitting, a first pair of twisted data wires carries data and asecond pair of twisted data wires carves clock. When receiving, thereverse is true. It should be noted, however, that the power adapter 80generally does not use the data contacts of the data port 86 fortransmitting data (e.g., they act as dummy contacts). The ground andpower contacts, on the other hand, generally couple to separateconducting wires of the data transmission line. The power contactprovides power that is capable of being transmitted to a peripheraldevice through the data transmission line. The power is configured toeither operate and/or charge the peripheral device during normal use ofthe peripheral device. This is different than the conventional use ofthe data transmission line, which typically provides no power whenoperating with battery or from a power source. The ground contactprovides ground return for the power and inner cable shield of the datatransmission line.

An example of a power adapter that may be used is shown in greaterdetail in a co-pending design patent application entitled, “PowerAdapter”; (Attorney Docket No.: APLID217X1), filed on even date andincorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified diagrams of an electronic system 120, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronicsystem 120 includes a peripheral device 122, a host device 124, anexternal power source 126, a data transmission line 128 and a poweradapter 130. The peripheral device 122 generally represents a portablecomputing device such as a portable computer, personal digitalassistant, cellular phone, a media player, and the like. As such, theperipheral device 122 includes a battery 132 that allows the peripheraldevice 122 to operate without using the external power source 126. Theperipheral device 122 also includes internal circuitry 134 forprocessing data. By way of example, the internal circuitry maycorrespond to processors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and thelike. The peripheral device 122 also includes a first data port 136 forreceiving a first end 138 of the transmission line 128. The first dataport 136 is configured to receive both power and data through the datatransmission line 128. That is, the first data port 136 includes datacontacts that direct data to the internal circuitry for processing, andpower contacts that direct power to a power supply used to operate theperipheral device 122 without using power from the battery and to chargethe battery when needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheraldevice 122 is a media player such as an MP3 player or video game player.In the case of the MP3 player, the media player allows a user to store,select and listen to music.

The host device 124, on the other hand, represents any suitablecomputing device whether portable (e.g., laptop computer) orsubstantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). In the illustratedembodiment, the host device 124 is a desktop computer that operates frompower supplied by the external power source 126 via a power cable 140.The host device 124 also includes internal circuitry 141 for processingdata. By way of example, the internal circuitry may correspond toprocessors, controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The hostdevice 124 also includes a second data port 142 for receiving a secondend 144 of the transmission line 128. The second data port 142 isconfigured to receive at least data through the data transmission line128. That is, the second data port 142 includes data contacts thatdirect data to the internal circuitry 141 for processing. Alternatively,the second data port 142 may also be configured to receive power throughthe data transmission line, as for example, when the host device is aportable computing device. As shown in FIG. 6B, the data transmissionline 128 is connected to both the host and peripheral devices 122 and124 through the first and second data ports 136, 142. The datatransmission line 128 contains electrical wires for carrying data to andfrom the first and second ports 136, 142 so as to upload or downloaddata. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 player, music files maybe uploaded and downloaded to and from the peripheral and host devices.

Referring now to the other components of the system 120, the externalpower source 126 may be any suitable power source capable of supplyingpower. In the illustrated embodiment, the external power source 126 is aconventional AC electrical outlet. As shown, the power adapter 130 iselectrically connected to the external power source 126. By way ofexample, the power adapter 130 may generally correspond to any one ofthe power adapters shown in FIGS. 2-5. As such, the power adapter 130includes a third data port 146 for receiving the second end 144 of thetransmission line 128. The third data port 146 is configured to providepower to the data transmission line 128 when the transmission line isconnected thereto. The power that is provided by the third data port 146is configured for operating and/or charging the peripheral device 122.As shown in FIG. 6A, the data transmission line 128 is connected to boththe power adapter 130 and the peripheral device 122 through the firstand third data ports 136 and 146. The data transmission line 128contains electrical wires for carrying the power from the third port 146to the first port 136 so as to operate and/or charge the peripheraldevice 122.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 150, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter 150is generally configured to provide power to a peripheral device duringoperation and/or charging thereof. By way of example, the power adapter150 may be used to power a portable electronic device such as a personalcomputer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera,media player, and the like. In most cases, the power adapter 150 isarranged to receive a first power from a power source and to output asecond power to the peripheral device. The second power corresponds tothe power needed to operate and/or charge the peripheral device. In somecases, the first power has characteristics that are different than thecharacteristics of the second power while in other cases the first powerhas characteristics that are similar to the characteristics of thesecond power. For example, the first power may provide AC current whilethe second power may provide DC current. In addition, the first powermay provide DC current while the second power may also provide DCcurrent, which may or may not be the same as the source current.

The power adapter 150 generally includes a power connection 152, ahousing 154, a power transmission line 156, and a power-data connector158. The power connection 152 is configured for coupling the poweradapter 150 to a power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power tothe power adapter 150. The power supply may take on many forms. By wayof example, the power supply may be a conventional electrical outletthat supplies AC current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current,and/or the like. In the case of the electrical outlet, the powerconnection 152 typically includes a plug for connection to theelectrical outlet. For example, the plug may include several prongs thatare insertable into electrically active slots disposed in the electricaloutlet. Plugs are generally well known in the art and for the sake ofbrevity will not be described in detail herein.

The housing 154 is configured to enclose various internal components ofthe power adapter 150. That is, the housing 154 serves to surround theinternal components of the power adapter 150 at a peripheral regionthereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverseconditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond toelectrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter150. For example, the electrical components may include a transformerfor converting electrical power from one voltage-current level toanother voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternatingcurrent AC to direct current DC.

The power transmission line 156 is configured to electrically couple thepower connection 152 with the connector assembly 158. The coupling maybe direct or indirect. In the case of indirect, the power transmissionline 156 may be coupled to the power connection 152 through theelectrical components of the power adapter 150, as for example, atransformer or rectifier circuit. In one embodiment, the powertransmission line is a high quality 2 conductor wire.

The connector assembly 158 is configured to act as a Y connector forallowing power to be supplied to the peripheral and host device whileallowing data to be transmitted between the peripheral and host device.That is, the connector assembly includes a data input/output, a powerinput, and a combined data input/output and power output. The connectorassembly may be widely varied. In most cases, the connector assembly 158includes a data connector 162 and a data port 164. The data connector162 is configured for insertion into an external data port and the dataport 164 is configured to receive an external data connector. Byexternal, it is meant that the port or connector is not contained withinthe connector assembly. In most cases, the external data connector isone end of a data transmission line.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the data connector 162 isconfigured for insertion into a data port 166 associated with aperipheral device 168. In this embodiment, the data connector 162 isoperatively coupled to the data port 164 so as to allow data to passtherebetween and electrically coupled to the power transmission line 156so as to provide external power for operation and charging of theperipheral device. In particular, the data connector 162 and the dataport 164 include data contacts that are coupled together. As such, whena data connector 170 of a data transmission line 172 is connected to thedata port 164, data may be carried through the data port 164 to the dataconnector 162. Essentially, the data connector 162 is an extension ofthe data transmission line 172 when the data transmission line 172 isconnected to the data port 164. That is, the data connector 162 actslike the end of the data transmission line 172. In addition, the dataconnector 162 includes power contacts that are electrically coupled tothe power transmission line 156 and thus the power connection 152. Thepower contacts are configured to engage a corresponding power contact ofthe external data port 166 of the peripheral device so as to provideoperational or charging power when the data connector 162 is connectedto the external data port 166. Moreover, the data transmission line 172includes a second data connector 174 at its other end for connection toa data port 176 of a host device 178. As such, data may be passedbetween the host device 178 and the peripheral device 168.

In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and dataconnectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In most cases,the data connector 162 is a 6 wire FireWire connector that includes apair of paired data contacts, a power contact and a ground contact. Thedata port 164, on the other hand, may be a 6 wire or 4 wire FireWireport. In general, the power and ground contacts of the data connector162 are coupled to corresponding wires of the power transmission line,while the pair of paired data contacts are coupled to the correspondingpaired data contacts of either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire port. By way ofexample, the data connector may be a standard FireWire 6-contact maleconnector right angle PCB and the data port may be a standard FireWire6-contact female connector right angle PCB.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the data connector 162 isconfigured for insertion into a data port 174 associated with a hostdevice 176. In this embodiment, the data port 164 is operatively coupledto the data connector 162 so as to allow data to pass therebetween andelectrically coupled to the power transmission line 156 so as to provideexternal power for operation and charging of the peripheral device. Inparticular, the data connector 162 and the data port 164 include datacontacts that are coupled together. As such, when the data connector 174of the data transmission line 172 is connected to the data port 164,data may be carried through the data connector 162 to the data port 164.Essentially, the data port 164 is an extension of the data port 176 whenthe connector 158 is connected to the host device 178. That is, the dataport 164 acts like the data port 176. In addition, the data port 164includes power contacts that are electrically coupled to the powertransmission line 156 and thus the power connection 152. The powercontacts are configured to engage a corresponding power contact of thedata connector 174 of the data transmission line 170 so as to provideoperational or charging power to the peripheral device 168 when the dataconnector 170 of the data transmission line 172 is connected to theexternal data port 166 of the peripheral device 168.

In one implementation of this embodiment, the data ports and dataconnectors correspond to FireWire connectors and ports. In most cases,the data port 164 is a 6 wire FireWire port that includes a pair ofpaired data contacts, a power contact and a ground contact. The dataconnector 162, on the other hand, may be a 6 wire or 4 wire FireWireconnector. In general, the power and ground contacts of the data port164 are coupled to corresponding wires of the power transmission line,while the pair of paired data contacts are coupled to the correspondingpaired data contacts of either the 4 or 6 wire FireWire connector.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram of a power adapter 180, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The power adapter 180 isgenerally configured to provide power to a peripheral device duringoperation and/or charging thereof. In one embodiment, the power adapter180 may be used to provide power to a peripheral device such as aportable electronic device that includes a battery. By way of example,the portable electronic device may be a personal computer, personaldigital assistant, cellular phone, digital camera, media player, and thelike. In most cases, the power adapter 180 is arranged to receive afirst power from a power source and to output a second power to theperipheral device. The second power corresponds to the power needed tooperate and/or charge the peripheral device. In some cases, the firstpower has characteristics that are different than the characteristics ofthe second power while in other cases the first power hascharacteristics that are similar to the characteristics of the secondpower. For example, the first power may provide AC current while thesecond power may provide DC current. In addition, the first power mayprovide DC current while the second power may also provide DC current,which may or may not be the same as the source current.

The power adapter 180 generally includes a power connection 182, ahousing 184 and a first data port 186 and a second data port 188. Thepower connection 182 is configured for coupling the power adapter 180 toa power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power to the poweradapter 180. The power supply may take on many forms. By way of example,the power supply may be a conventional electrical outlet that suppliesAC current, a car lighter outlet that supplies DC current, and/or thelike. In the case of the electrical outlet, the power connection 182typically includes a plug for connection to the electrical outlet. Forexample, the plug may include several prongs that are insertable intoelectrically active slots disposed in the electrical outlet. Plugs aregenerally well known in the art and for the sake of brevity will not bedescribed in detail herein.

The housing 184 is configured to enclose various internal components ofthe power adapter 180. That is, the housing 184 serves to surround theinternal components of the power adapter 180 at a peripheral regionthereof so as to cover and protect the internal components from adverseconditions. In most cases, the internal components correspond toelectrical components associated with the operation of the power adapter180. For example, the electrical components may include a transformerfor converting electrical power from one voltage-current level toanother voltage current level and a rectifier that converts alternatingcurrent AC to direct current DC.

The data ports 186, 188 are generally provided at the surface of thehousing 184. The data port 186, in accordance with one embodiment, isconfigured to provide external power for operation and charging of aperipheral device such as a portable electronic device. The data port186 includes one or more power contacts 187 that is electrically coupledto the power connection 182. The coupling may be direct or indirect. Inthe case of indirect, the power contact 187 may be coupled to the powerconnection 182 through the electrical components of the power adapter180, as for example, a transformer or rectifier circuit. The data port186 is arranged to receive one end of a first data transmission line188. The data transmission line 188 is preferably a data transmissionline having both data and power transmitting capabilities. As was statedearlier, the power transmitting capabilities are associated with datatransmissions. By way of example, the data transmission line 188 may bea universal serial bus (USB) or a FireWire transmission line. The datatransmission line 188 typically includes a data connector 190 configuredfor insertion into the data port 186. The connector 190 includes atleast one power contact 191 since the data transmission line 188 haspower transmitting capabilities. As should be appreciated, the powercontact 191 of the connector 190 is configured to engage the powercontact 187 of the data port 186 so as to provide operational orcharging power to a peripheral device when the connector 180 isconnected to the data port 186.

The second data port 188, on the other hand, is configured to provide adata connection to the first data port 186. That is, the first andsecond data ports 186, 188 include data contacts that are operativelycoupled together. Similar to the first data port 186, the second dataport 188 is arranged to receive one end of a second data transmissionline 194. As should be appreciated, the data contacts of the ports arearranged to engage corresponding data contacts of the data transmissionlines. The second data transmission line 194 may be a data transmissionline having only data transmitting capabilities or it may be a datatransmission line having both data and power transmitting capabilities.As was stated earlier, the power transmitting capabilities areassociated with data transmissions. By way of example, the second datatransmission line 194 may be a universal serial bus (USB) or a FireWiretransmission line. The second data transmission line 1194[??] typicallyincludes a data connector 196 configured for insertion into the seconddata port 188. Accordingly, when the first data transmission line isconnected to the first data port and the second data transmission lineis connected to the second data port, data may be carried through thepower adapter between the first and second data transmission lines andthus to and from a peripheral and host device.

FIG. 11 is simplified diagrams of an electronic system 200, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronicsystem 200 includes a peripheral device 202, a host device 204, anexternal power source 206, a first data transmission line 208, a seconddata transmission line 210 and a power adapter 212. The peripheraldevice 202 generally represents a portable computing device such as aportable computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, a mediaplayer, and the like. As such, the peripheral device 202 includes abattery 214 that allows the peripheral device 202 to operate withoutusing the external power source 206. The peripheral device 202 alsoincludes internal circuitry 216 for processing data. By way of example,the internal circuitry may correspond to processors, controllers,bridges, memory, buses and the like. The peripheral device 202 alsoincludes a first data port 218 for receiving a first end 220 of thefirst transmission line 208. The first data port 218 is configured toreceive both power and data through the first data transmission line218. That is, the first data port 218 includes data contacts that directdata to the internal circuitry for processing, and power contacts thatdirect power to a power supply used to operate the peripheral device 202without using power from the battery and to charge the battery whenneeded.

The host device 204, on the other hand, represents any suitablecomputing device whether portable (e.g. laptop computer) orsubstantially stationary (e.g., desktop computer). The host device 204also includes internal circuitry 222 for processing data. By way ofexample, the internal circuitry may correspond to processors,controllers, bridges, memory, buses and the like. The host device 204also includes a second data port 224 for receiving a first end 226 ofthe second data transmission line 210. The second data port 224 isconfigured to transmit and receive at least data through the second datatransmission line 210. That is, the second data port 224 includes datacontacts that direct data to the internal circuitry 222 for processing.Alternatively, the second data port 224 may also be configured toreceive power through the second data transmission line 210, as forexample, when the host device is a portable computing device.

Referring now to the other components of the system 200, the externalpower source 206 may be any suitable power source capable of supplyingpower. In the illustrated embodiment, the external power source 206 is aconventional AC electrical outlet. As shown, the power adapter 212 iselectrically connected to the external power source 206. By way ofexample, the power adapter 212 may generally correspond to the poweradapter shown in FIG. 10. As such, the power adapter 212 includes athird data port 228 for receiving a second end 230 of the firsttransmission line 208 and a fourth data port 232 for receiving a secondend 234 of the second transmission line 210. The third data port 228 isconfigured to provide power to the first data transmission line 208 whenthe transmission line is connected thereto. The power that is providedby the third data port 228 is configured for operating and/or chargingthe peripheral device 202. Both the third and fourth data ports 228, 232are configured to allow the transfer of data between the first andsecond transmission lines 208, 210 when the transmission lines areconnected thereto. The data transmission line 208, 210 containelectrical wires for carrying data to and from the first and secondports 218, 224 so as to upload or download data with respect to theperipheral and host devices.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. For example, referring to FIG. 6B,the host device may be configured to supply power through thetransmission line to the peripheral device. In addition, referring toFIG. 7, the power connector may include a pair of data ports or a pairof data connectors, rather than having one data port and one dataconnector. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 10, the second data port maybe electrically coupled to the power connection so as to provide powerto a second peripheral device (which acts as the host device). Moreover,referring to FIG. 11, one or both of the data transmission lines may bepermanently attached to the housing. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A power adapter, comprising: a rectangular body having substantiallyflat, parallel top and bottom faces, and four substantially flat sidefaces extending between the top and bottom faces; the top and bottomfaces being larger than the side faces, the body having rounded edgesand rounded corners where the top, bottom and side faces meet; therectangular body having an transformer for converting electrical powerhoused therein; a plug body having spaced-apart prongs extending duringuse in a direction perpendicular to a first side of the side faces andadapted to mate with slots of an electrical outlet, the prongselectrically coupled to the transformer; the plug body removablyattached to one corner of the rectangular body; and an electricalconnection on a second side of the side faces, the second side parallelto the first side of the side faces, and the electrical connectioncoupled to the transformer.
 2. The power adapter as set forth in claim1, wherein the spaced-apart prongs pivot between a recessed positionsubstantially within the plug body and an extended position extendingoutwardly from the plug body.
 3. The power adapter as set forth in claim2, wherein the plug body includes spaced-apart channels for receivingthe spaced-apart prongs when in the recessed position.
 4. The poweradapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plug body has an exteriorsurface that forms a corner of the rectangular body when attached to therectangular body, the corner having a shape that is the same as theother corners of the rectangular body.
 5. The power adapter as set forthin claim 1, wherein the plug body includes a holding mechanism formechanically fitting and retaining the plug body at a corner of thebody.
 6. The power adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the roundededges have substantially the same radius of curvature, and wherein therounded corners have substantially the same radius of curvature.
 7. Thepower adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical connectionon the second side comprises a power transmission line.
 8. A poweradapter, comprising: a transformer for converting electrical power; ahousing configured to enclose the transformer, the housing having a plugregion and a connection opening, the housing having top and bottomfaces, and four side faces extending between the top and bottom faces,the top and bottom faces being larger than the side faces, the housinghaving rounded edges and rounded corners where the top, bottom and sidefaces meet; a power cable disposed at an exterior surface of thehousing; contact pins positioned within the connector opening andoperatively coupled to the transformer; a detachable plug having a plugbody that is received by the plug region of the housing, prongsconfigured for insertion into slots of an electrical outlet, and a plugconnector operatively coupled to the prongs, the plug region positionedon the housing where the top, bottom and two sides faces meet, the plugconnector extending from the plug body and including electrical contactsoperatively coupled to the prongs, the plug connector being insertableinto the connection opening disposed in the housing so as toelectrically engage the contact pins and electrical contacts therebymaking an operable power connection between the transformer and theprongs; and a holding mechanism for releasably holding the plug bodywithin the plug region, the holding mechanism including a notch formedof the plug body adapted for slidably engaging a protrusion that extendsfrom a surface of the housing.
 9. The power adapter set forth in claim 8wherein the detachable plug is an AC power plug and the prongs comprisetwo flat parallel blades adapted for insertion into a standard U.S. ACoutlet.
 10. The power adapter set forth in claim 8 wherein thedetachable plug includes two prongs and the plug body includes twoparallel channels exposed at an outer surface of the plug body.
 11. Thepower adapter set forth in claim 10 wherein the prongs are pivotablycoupled to the plug body so that they are moveable between an extendedposition that allows the prongs to be inserted into an electrical outletand a recessed position in which each of the prongs is positioned withinone of the parallel channels.
 12. The power adapter set forth in claim 8wherein, when the detachable plug is attached to the housing, the poweradapter has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. 13.The power adapter set forth in claim 8 wherein, when the detachable plugis attached to the housing, the housing and the detachable plug formflush peripheral surfaces of the power adapter.
 14. The power adapterset forth in claim 8 wherein the exterior surface of the housing thatthe power cable is accessible at is opposite the plug region.
 15. Apower adapter, comprising: electrical components configured to convertAC power received by the power adapter into external DC power; a housingconfigured to enclose the electrical components, the housing having aplug region and a connection opening; a power cable disposed at anexterior surface of the housing; contact pins positioned within theconnector opening and operatively coupled to the electrical components;a detachable plug having a plug body that is received by the plug regionof the housing, prongs configured for insertion into slots of anelectrical outlet, and a plug connector operatively coupled to theprongs, the plug connector extending from the plug body and includingelectrical contacts operatively coupled to the prongs, the plugconnector being insertable into the connection opening disposed in thehousing so as to electrically engage the contact pins and electricalcontacts, thereby making an operable power connection between theelectrical components and the prongs; and a holding mechanism forreleasably holding the plug body within the plug region, wherein whenthe detachable plug is attached to the housing, the power adapter has asubstantially rectangular shape with rounded corners and the housing andthe detachable plug form flush peripheral surfaces of the power adapter,wherein the detachable plug includes two prongs and the plug bodyincludes two parallel channels exposed at an outer surface of the plugbody, and wherein the prongs are pivotably coupled to the plug body sothat they are moveable between an extended position that allows theprongs to be inserted into an electrical outlet and a recessed positionin which each of the prongs is positioned within one of the parallelchannels.
 16. The power adapter set forth in claim 15 wherein theholding mechanism includes a notch formed of the plug body adapted forslidably engaging a protrusion that extends from a surface of thehousing.
 17. The power adapter set forth in claim 15 wherein the plugconnector is a one-piece integral unit that has a figure eight shapedcross section.
 18. The power adapter set forth in claim 17 wherein theplug connector has an outer peripheral surface that generally matches inshape and fits within an interior surface of the connection opening. 19.The power adapter set forth in claim 15 wherein the prongs in thedetachable plug comprise two flat parallel blades.